WWE is going all out for Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabiabut one of the companys most seasoned production minds wont be there to oversee it.
According to PWInsider on January 27, 2026, Marty Miller, who traditionally directs WWEs major events including Monday Night RAW and WrestleMania, will not be directing this years Royal Rumble. Instead, Miller will remain in the United States to handle directing duties for Zuffa Boxing under TKO, which will air on Paramount+.
In his absence, SmackDown Director Lee Lipschulz is expected to take the helm for the Royal Rumble broadcast. Lipschulz regularly directs SmackDown, Countdown, and Post-Show specials and is stepping into one of WWEs most ambitious production environments. This marks a major change in production leadershipespecially for a show that is shaping up to be WWEs biggest international event to date.
Royal Rumble 2026 is set to take place on January 31 in a custom-built stadium constructed from the ground up in Riyadhs King Abdullah Financial District. PWInsider previously reported that Internal sources have already compared the events production scale to WrestleMania, with LED rigs, a full enclosed roof, and immersive lighting systems all confirmed.
Photos and footage leaked in recent days showed the setup. On January 26, Twitter user Mohammed Waheed shared a video from inside the venue, showing the full rigging, branded LED panels, and the completed Royal Rumble stage coming together. Earlier, on January 18, Mohammed Mansour revealed construction was already underway with concrete foundations being poured.
Despite the shift in directorial leadership, WWE is clearly treating Royal Rumble 2026 as more than just a PLE. Ticket demand has surged beyond expectations, with internal tracking already labeling it as WWEs most in-demand live event ever.
Will Lee Lipschulzs direction maintain the WrestleMania-level spectacle WWE is aiming foror will Marty Millers absence be felt? Share your take in the comments below.
